For Deer hunting and target shooting, is a 300 Win Mag suitable for a 14 year old.?
by admin on Thursday, July 29th, 2010 | 2 Comments
I am also concerned about the recoil of the caliber. Would an average build, semi-experienced 14 year old be able to control the recoil and be able to comfortably shoot a 300 win mag in a Remington Model 700 XCR tactical Long range rifle?
It looks like your question got posted twice. But just in case,
My first thought is, “No way.” I’d like to modify that some, though. I know that some of our illustrious shooters here would laugh at recoil sensitivity, but you don’t want to teach a young shooter bad habits by starting with too much of a load. Put the same cartridge in a Browning BAR and my daughter will shoot it. I wouldn’t think of handing her my bolt action 300 Win. Mag. You don’t say that this is your only possible choice of guns. If it was, I’d consider the ADMITTED compromise of the Remington Managed-Recoil load. It’s reasonably priced and still sends 150 grains downrange at something near a .308 trajectory. I’ve used these one time and was very impressed. (Realize that you’ll have to re-zero for the trajectory on these lighter loads.) Of course, handloading cures a multitude of recoil ills. Here would be a good place for some lighter loads. If you go all the way, pop on a Limbsaver on the rifle and/or think about a shoulder recoil pad. This can tame recoil while a youngster is building grit, confidence, and good shooting form and habits.
Added: Here’s a comparison to a 12 gauge standard load–
12 gauge, 2.75″ (1 1/8 at 1200) 7.5lb. shotgun, 23.0, 25.9 ft./lbs. force, @10 fps.
.300 Win. Mag. (180 at 2960) 8.5lb. rifle, 25.9 ft./lbs. force, accel. 14 fps.
The .300 Win. kicks harder than the standard 12 gauge load and FASTER. It will feel much “sharper” and less of a “push”. That speed will hurt more. Also notice that in the comparison that the .300 gun is a full pound heavier (recoil absorbing) than the compared shotgun.
In general, I feel that a .300 Win Mag would have too much recoil for a 14 year old to handle effectively. That being said, I think it is possible, with the right training, to progress to that level over a period of time. It would involve starting with a rifle cartridge a lot less powerful such as a .243 Win or .30-30 and over a period of time, gradually introduce progressively heavier recoiling guns in steps until the .300 Win Mag is reached. The trouble is, most youngsters will not have the patience to take the time to progress at the right rate and may not have a supply of available rifles in various cartridges from .243 or .30-30 on up to .300 Win Mag.